Monday, October 15, 2012

Defining Romantic Suspense

I've had a secret battle going on ever since I read somewhere on the Internet that Romantic Suspense is when the romance and suspense run side by side, that 'the suspense MUST equal the romance.' Well below proves don't believe everything you read.

Romantic suspense is a blend of romance and suspense. Okay how much suspense and romance???

·         There should be a love interest. Now this doesn't say there has to be full on romance throughout the novel
·         The heroine and hero should fall in love at some stage
·         The heroine and hero should be in jeopardy
·         There has to be a happy ending
Trying to define Romantic Suspense isn't easy and is subject to change. It depends on what the publishing house states as Romantic Suspense, but most of all it has to have that happily ever after. I notice publishing houses define romantic suspense in many different ways lately.

If you can add to what I have here, I'd be most interested to read your thoughts on what you think is a Romantic Suspense, or what you've read etc.

I'll be writing for most of the week but on Wednesday I'll be tripping to the big smoke in Sydney.

 Have a great week and don't forget to smile. :)

6 comments:

Tarnya said...

I have found out that a Romantic Suspense can have the romance all the way through a book, or it can have just a bit of the love or attraction. I don't mind it either way as long as the hero and heroine hook up at the end and the suspense grabs you to make you want to keep reading.

Tarnya. x

Anonymous said...

LOL, I know what you mean, Suzanne. It's just as bad for Science Fiction Romance. I swing between thinking one of my mss is a Science Fiction Romance and a Science Fiction with romantic elements.

I think of it as SFR because the hero and heroine make decisions in the romance side of the story that further the SF side.

But what would I know???

Anonymous said...

Hello Suzanne

So how are your current submissions going. I am looking forward to another release. I know it takes time to write these things. Not pushing here. Have you ever thought of self publishing?
I for one would buy your novels, and I imagine your readership would as well.

I heard on the grapevine something. Is it true?

Glenda. Sorry I don't have a blogger account, and it's easier to go annom.

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Tarnya, I agee. I write Romantic Suspense until someone tell me otherwise. lol. :)

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

lol Sandy,
I didn't realise other's had trouble with the different genres as well. What would you know. Hmm... I think a bit by now. :)
As I said to Tarnya, until an editor tells me/us otherwise. :)

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Glenda,
No need to apologise. I have two manuscripts out at present and it shouldn't be too long now to hear back. I have considered self publishing, but I'm not sure at present.

Sorry to keep you waiting. I am aiming for quality, not quantity. :) So it will be well worth the wait.